Francis was no stranger to the grape, Verity would have been well used to dealing with the moods. But where did I read the suggestion that Francis' attachment to Verity was a little deeper than brotherly? I can't think if it was alluded to in the book or someone said it elsewhere.

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"I see there is nothing for it but to accept the halo you offer me...in any case I shall surely tip it off at the first fence..."

I agree Brigantia. Verity was a useful and efficient housekeeper in effect - along with input into the farm. Elizabeth never got involved in that side of Trenwith - too busy looking dainty and delicate perhaps?!

I think that she was indeed worried about being left on the shelf and while not exactly willing to take anyone, her options were running out. However Andrew showed that he loved her for herself, and had turned over a new leaf, and she was certainly attracted to him. I think the hardest thing for her though would have been the fact that she had to move so far away from her family when she married him - must have been lonely for her....

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Demelza

A passionate child rolling in the dust with her ugly dog; a girl driving oxen; a woman....Did anything else matter?

It's always struck me as strange why Verity who was so good at reading, helping and understanding people especially Demelza and Ross should have been so enamoured of Captain Blamey in the first place. Knowing according to William-Alfred that he was a notorious drunkard and some years previously in a drunken frenzy had kicked his wife when she was with child killing her, then finally being stripped of his rank had lain for two years in a common prison as it all seems so out of character. Not surprising that Charles and Francis were so angry and hurt at such an unwanted family intrusion as a leopard never changes his spots, which leaves you wondering that perhaps Verity was far more desperate than she realised at being left a spinster and ready to overlook faults that others could and would never accept.

So what did she see in Captain Blamey, the fact that he still had two young children....?

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"Perfection is a full stop .... Ever the climbing but never the attaining Of the mountain top." W.G.